Visual Documentation of Crime Scene, Advancements over Time

 

DOCUMENTATION OF CRIME SCENE:

A thorough detailed record of the crime scene including the steps performed during the search, help the crime scene investigator to accurately recall events and helps in the identification of evidence in a court of law.

VISUAL DOCUMENTATION OF CRIME SCENE:

A visual record that conveys all the details about the crime scene including the location, the evidences found and any other notable observations on the crime scene also including the dimensions of the crime scene itself and the location of evidence’s that can be presented in the court of law.

The visual documentation includes many methods some of which are listed below :

1. Sketching
2. Photography
3. Videography
4. 3D Scanning
5. Satellite Imaging

 1.     Sketching:

Sketching is a primitive method of visual representation of crime scene. In this method the forensic expert is required to create a sketch of the crime scene including the details that include the evidences found and the observations of the investigator at the crime scene.

Sketches are of two types :

1. Rough sketch : it is the sketch that needs to be made at the scene itself during the investigation.

2. Final sketch : it is a more detailed version of the rough sketch it includes a major detail that’s the measurements (permanent record of the size and distance relationship of the crime scene and the physical evidence within it).

 2.     Photography:

It is also a method of visual representation of the crime Scene in this instead of sketching, photographs of the crime scene are taken. It is beneficial as it saves time and doesn’t require the skills for sketching also the photos are admissible in the court of law as evidence. The purpose is to document what is there and where it is in relationship to the scene, whether it is obviously connected to the crime or not.

Also photography plays a major role between all the evidences are captured then and there itself. As we know the law of progressive changes. Everything changes at time passes therefore photography preserves the actual crime scene evidences for longer time.

3.     Videography:

In this method of visual representation of crime a video is taken of the crime scene before, during and after the collection packaging and preservation of evidences it helps in crime scene reconstruction it might as well help in Identifying evidences or observations left by the IO.

It prove to be a boon in cases in which there is a presence of trace evidences as they are very hard document in sketching, and it might be missed in photography.

4.     3D Scanning:

3D scanning is the process of analysing a real-world object or environment to collect three dimensional data of its shape and possibly its appearance (e.g. color). The collected data can then be used to construct digital 3D models.

There are several drawbacks of this technique : 

• Cost: the initial cost of the scanner is very  
• HighComplexity: the technology as well as the software required for the process  is complex to handle and require specialised training for using them effectively 
• Limited resolution: the models made using this technique can be very detailed so the resolution of small details may have low resolution 
• Post processing: After the 3D scanning is complete, post-processing is typically required to clean up the data and create a usable 3D model, which can be time-consuming and require additional resources.

FARO is a laser scanner used to measure distances and capture complex environment with high accuracy. 

• With its light weight, cable-free design and six degrees of freedom, you can operate the Freestyle, with one hand anywhere, at any angle — even upside down.
• With a best-in-class range of .4m to 5m (1.3'- 16'), the Freestyle 2 captures small and large areas.
• It takes just a few minutes to capture amazing detail and quality.
• Rely on the sensor for great flexibility while acquiring, even in small slots or hidden/inaccessible areas.
• Capture 3D point cloud information while walking and making natural movements, with best-in-class tracking performance.
• Work in any lighting condition, even complete darkness.

5.     Satellite imaging:

In recent years satellite imaging has proved to be a very useful tool in the field of criminal investigation, it provides us a good overall view of the respective area.

The principal advantage of employing satellite imagery in criminal investigations lies in its capacity to furnish investigators with a comprehensive depiction of a crime scene. Through the utilization of satellite imagery, investigators can acquire a more profound comprehension of the surrounding environment encompassing the crime scene, thereby aiding in the identification of potential suspects and the revelation of evidence that might have otherwise eluded detection. Furthermore, satellite imagery can prove invaluable in the pursuit and apprehension of fugitives.

References :

1. Technical Advances in the Visual Documentation of Crime Scenes An Overview, August 1, 2013, National Institute of Justice Office of Science and Technology Investigative and Forensic Sciences Division.
2. https://www.faro.com/en/Products/Software/SCENE-Software
3. https://www.azolifesciences.com/article/How-Important-is-Crime-Scene-Photography-to-Forensic-Investigations.aspx
4. Berezowski, V., Mallett, X., & Moffat, I. (2019). Geomatic Techniques in Forensic Science: A Review. Science & Justice. doi:10.1016/j.scijus.2019.10.006